ANOKA COUNTY, Minn. - Pilar Lara-Madrid has a full plate. At just 24 years old, she is a mother of two, a homeowner and works a full-time job at a hospital coordinating care for patients. Now add the DACA drama to the mix.
"You don't know what it feels like to be in those shoes. Everyday, you do not know what's coming. Like I do not know. My future is just sitting there. Not knowing what's going to happen next. I do not wish this upon anybody," said Lara-Madrid.
After former President Obama announced the establishment of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012, Lara-Madrid mmediately applied and was accepted.
Thanks to DACA, Pilar was issued a driver's license, a work permit and thus, had the documentation necessary to be approved for a mortgage.
"I have a lot to lose. My kids' future, my house, my job. My job is like what's holding us together," said Lara-Madrid who remembers well the day that President Trump announced that he was dismantling DACA.
"I remember I could not sleep that night. It's really scary how one person has the power to just crush your dreams like that," said Lara-Madrid. "I hope that we can stay in this house."
Even her children, ages 7 and 5, are becoming aware of the family's uncertain future.
"I try to stay happy and be positive, but they're like, 'Ma, is everything going to change?' They watch the news," said Lara-Madrid.
"They're like, 'is Trump going to send you to Mexico?' and I'm like, 'no, honey. That's not going to happen' and they're like, 'what about us?'" said Lara-Madrid. "They ask me all these questions and I'm like, I just don't know what to tell them. Because I do not want to pass my worry to them," said Lara-Madrid.
Lara-Madrid admits she remains hopeful, but after months of failed negotiations and little to no action by Congress, her hope is fleeting.
"Honestly, I try to stay positive. I try to think positive and I'm hoping for the best but deep down inside, I'm very, very worried. I'm very, very scared," said Lara-Madrid.